Rivers Marks World Water Day, Today

The Rivers State Government, will today, join the rest of the world to mark the 2021 edition of the World Water Day, as part of the United Nations efforts to promote water security and unfettered access to quality water for the most vulnerable people around the globe.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, the state Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development said that the celebration, with the theme, ‘Valuing Water’, would be held at Hostel Presidential, Port Harcourt.
The statement insisted that, “All invited stakeholders are expected to attend in compliance with the Covid-19 safety protocols”.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, had said that his visit to some water facilities in the state was in line with the government’s desire to key into the activities of this year’s World Water Day celebration.
He said it was in continuation of the ministry’s deliberate policy to collect water samples across the state for laboratory testing to ensure high quality and standardisation of water consumed by residents of the state.
Accompanied on the visit by directors in the ministry, Gogo-Jaja re-emphasized that the policy was part of the state government’s effort in ensuring that the water produced and consumed in the state meet the National Drinking Water Quality Standard.
He also emphasised that the initiative was designed to protect the health of people living and doing business in the state.
According to him, “Our approach is not to run people out of business or to shut facilities but to insist that standards are maintained”.
The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Miabiye Kalio, reads, “As part of plans set to mark the 2021 World Water Day, the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development will visit water facilities in the state, to ensure effective regulation and management of the quality of water served to the public.
“Also, the ministry will on Monday, March 22, 2021, celebrate this year’s World Water Day, with the theme: “Valuing Water”, at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.
“World Water Day is an annual event celebrated globally to highlight the importance of freshwater, and advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year’s event would feature paper presentation by eminent scholars, products exhibition by industry practitioners, public rallies, among other activities.
“All invited stakeholders, water producers, drillers, laboratory operators, multinational companies, international donor agencies, development partners, banks, non-governmental organisations, etc., are expected to be in attendance in strict compliance with Covid-19 protocols,” the statement added.

By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana